Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubby Free Pattern – A Textured Crochet Lemon
Sun-Kissed Citrus Scrubby Free Pattern – A Textured Crochet Lemon
Brighten up your dishwashing routine with this cheerful lemon-shaped scrubby! Featuring a zesty textured surface that tackles grime while adding a pop of sunshine to your sink, this quick and satisfying project uses cotton yarn for maximum absorbency and gentle scrubbing power. Whether you're looking for a functional kitchen accessory or a handmade gift, this adorable citrus scrubby is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.
Why You'll Love This Pattern
This lemon scrubby is the perfect blend of form and function. The smooth side is gentle on delicate surfaces, while the bobble-stitch side provides extra scrubbing power for stubborn messes. Plus, it's a fantastic stash-busting project that works up in just a few hours. Even beginners will find this pattern approachable, with clear instructions and simple techniques throughout.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in lemon yellow, white, and leaf green (approx. 50g yellow, 20g white, 10g green)
- Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Gauge: 4 sc = 1 inch in single crochet (gauge is not critical for this project)
- Other: Stitch marker, polyester fiberfill for stuffing, yarn needle, scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Lemon Body (Make 2 Identical Pieces)
This scrubby is worked in continuous spirals, with a textured bobble stitch pattern for the lemon body. Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds.
With yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
- Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
- Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
- Round 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
- Round 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (36)
- Round 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (42)
- Round 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
- Rounds 9-14: sc in each st around. (48) – This creates the flat center of the lemon.
- Round 15: (sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog) around. (42)
- Round 16: (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog) around. (36)
- Round 17: (sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog) around. (30)
- Round 18: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog) around. (24)
- Round 19: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly with polyester fiberfill to give it a plump, squishy shape.
Textured Bobble Side (Make 1 Piece)
With yellow yarn, make a magic ring.
- Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
- Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
- Round 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
- Round 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (36)
- Round 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (42)
- Round 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
- Rounds 9-14: *Bobble stitch in next st, sc in next st; repeat from * around. (48)
Bobble Stitch Tutorial: (yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 2 loops) 4 times in same st, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook.
- Round 15: (sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog) around. (42)
- Round 16: (sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog) around. (36)
- Round 17: (sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog) around. (30)
- Round 18: (sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog) around. (24)
- Round 19: (sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog) around. (18)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Do not stuff this piece.
Assembly
- Place the textured bobble piece on top of one of the plain lemon body pieces, with right sides facing out.
- Using the long tail from the bobble piece, whip stitch the edges together, leaving a small opening.
- Insert the stuffed lemon body piece inside, then continue sewing closed.
- Ensure the bobble side is on the outside for scrubbing.
Lemon Ends (Make 2)
With white yarn, make a magic ring.
- Round 1: 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
- Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew one white circle to the top center of the lemon (the side opposite the bobble texture) and the other to the bottom, using a whip stitch around the edge. This creates the classic lemon pith look.
Leaf (Make 1)
With green yarn, ch 8.
- Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 3 chs, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. (7)
- Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (7)
Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the leaf to the top of the lemon, near the white circle, angling it slightly.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. To hang, attach a small loop of yarn to the top, or simply leave as is for a hand-held scrubby.
Tips for Best Results
- Use 100% cotton yarn: Cotton is highly absorbent, durable, and provides the perfect scrubbing texture without scratching surfaces.
- Keep your tension consistent: This ensures your scrubby maintains its round, plump shape.
- Don't overstuff: A light stuffing gives the lemon a satisfying squish while keeping it easy to hold and maneuver.
- Customize your colors: Try lime green, orange, or grapefruit colors to create a whole citrus collection!
Care Instructions
Your citrus scrubby is machine washable! Simply toss it in with your regular laundry and air dry. The cotton yarn will hold up beautifully to repeated washing, making this a long-lasting addition to your kitchen cleaning arsenal.
This pattern is perfect for gift-giving, craft fairs, or simply brightening your own sink area. The combination of practical scrubbing power and adorable design makes it a winner for any crochet enthusiast. Happy crocheting!